Your home-entertainment centre in a tablet
Lenovo makes two different product lines called Yoga. One is a series of Windows laptops that fold up to work like tablets. This item belongs to the other group, which are proper tablets, running Google’s Android software. When we reviewed the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro, we marvelled at its built-in video projector. This new version takes that feature a step further.
Despite the bigger model number, the Tab 3 Pro is smaller than the 2, and just a bit bigger than an iPad Air. The new screen is better: although it only covers 84 per cent of the sRGB colour range – while the iPad exceeds 100 per cent – you wouldn’t guess it when you see how bright and vivid it looks. With a similar resolution to Apple’s Retina display, it’s also really sharp.
The projector is built into a cylindrical section along the edge of the tablet, which acts as a hinge for a built-in stand. But the image now comes from the middle rather than the end as in the earlier version, so the hinge can be used to adjust the projection angle. Combined with automatic correction for the ‘keystoning’ effect – ensuring the image is vertically square on your wall – this makes it quick to set up.
It’s still not ideal: the image isn’t as bright or sharp as from a full-size projector. But if you close the curtains, you can watch a film quite comfortably at a size of up to 70 inches. Just make sure mains power is at hand, because the battery could run out in two hours.
In normal use – without the projector – the Yoga Tab Pro 3 lasted us 12 hours (Lenovo quotes up to 18). Its Intel processor is very capable, but not all Android apps work with it, and as in previous reviews we found Lenovo’s version of Android didn’t feel sufficiently smooth. It’s software glitches like this that so often prevent Android tablets feeling as practical and enjoyable to use as iPads.
The hardware is attractive, though. Although there’s a lot of plastic, the faux-leather back feels good. Both of the cameras are decent, and the four built-in JBL speakers are much better than you’d expect, even if there’s not much bass and we couldn’t detect any benefit from the ‘virtual Dolby Atmos’ surround sound. The 16GB of storage may not be enough, but unlike with the iPad, you can add a microSD card to expand it.
VERDICT
A genuinely innovative Android tablet that would be fun to own, if only the software was more reliable.
SPECIFICATIONS
Intel Atom x5-Z8500 quad-core processor • 16GB flash storage • 10.1in 2560x1600-pixel screen • 5-megapixel webcam • 13-megapixel rear camera • microSD slot • 802.11ac Wi-Fi • Android 5.1 • 179x247x9.2mm (HxWxD) • 665g • One-year warranty